IF YOU FOUND YOURSELF near the end of your days, close to death, who or what would you most want by your side? That’s a compelling question, isn’t it? I know that as I grow older, much that I once attended to and perhaps even worried over through the years means very little now that I’m in my eighth decade. In those times of rare but necessary reevaluation, what’s really important comes into clearer focus.
The aging apostle, likely nearing his seventh decade of life, wrote these meaningful words to Timothy, his younger apprentice:
Timothy, please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also, bring my books and especially my papers.
As Paul neared certain death, his list of wants grew short and precise. Most important to him were a few valuable companions and some helpful and meaningful personal belongings. That’s it. Could it be that life has grown way too complicated for you? Would this be a good time, just prior to winter’s thaw, for you to do some soul searching of your own? What really matters?
Take time to review your list of what you keep investing in and clasping in your hands. When was the last time you prayerfully allowed the Lord to help you set priorities for the way you invest your time and resources? Trust me, there’s no time like the present. Soon life will sneak up on you, and you may find yourself wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.
Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved. The full devotional can be purchased at tyndale.com.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
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